Transparent oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic treatment composition

ABSTRACT

A transparent composition for cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least a compound selected among polyols and mineral electrolytes, at least a volatile silicone, at least a siliconized surfactant, and at least a cationic surfactant in a concentration strictly higher than 0.5 wt. % relative to the composition total weight. The proportions of the polyols and mineral electrolytes are such that the (polyol and/or electrolyte)/oil ratio is not less than 2, the oil comprising at least the volatile silicone. A method for cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials using the transparent composition is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to a transparent water-in-oil emulsiontype composition for cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials and amethod for cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials using thecomposition.

Water-in-oil type emulsions are well known in the field of cosmeticcompositions.

However, these water-in-oil type emulsions are sensitive to temperaturechanges and thus present problems of stability depending on thesurrounding temperature. In fact, a discrete separation of the aqueousand oil phase has been observed at low temperatures and at elevatedtemperatures.

Water-in-oil type emulsions having thermal stability have beenpreviously described in EP 0 331 833 by Shiseido. They comprise acationic surfactant, an oil phase and at least one polyoxyethyleneorganopolysiloxane. These emulsions are thermally stable in virtue of,among other things, the addition of a clay in a 0.2 to 5.0% by weightquantity relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

The inventors have unexpectedly found that by using certain proportionsof a compound chosen from the group comprising the polyols and mineralelectrolytes in the water-in-oil type emulsions, and especially in hairconditioners, that contain a volatile silicone oil, a siliconesurfactant and a cationic surfactant, the latter being contained in aquantity greater than 0.5% by weight relative to the composition, thethermal stability of the compositions is improved.

Furthermore, the use of this type of compound in these compositionsmakes it possible to obtain, as another interesting result, transparentwater-in-oil type emulsions. This use thus makes it possible also toimprove the appearance of the cosmetic products and to make the productmore attractive to the consumer.

The object, therefore, of the present invention is a transparent,water-in-oil type emulsion composition for treating keratinousmaterials, comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least onecompound chosen from the group comprising the polyols and the mineralelectrolytes, at least one volatile silicone, at least one siliconesurfactant and at least one cationic surfactant at a concentrationstrictly greater than 0.5% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

Another object of the invention is a cosmetic treatment method forkeratinous materials implementing a transparent composition according tothe invention as described hereinafter.

A still further object of the invention is the use of the transparentcomposition according to the invention as a hair conditioner.

Other objects, characteristics, aspects and advantages of the inventionwill become more apparent when reading the description and the variousexamples that follow.

According to the invention, the transparent water-in-oil emulsion typecosmetic treatment composition for keratinous materials comprises in acosmetically acceptable medium, at least one compound chosen from thegroup comprising the polyols and the mineral electrolytes, at least onvolatile silicone, at least one silicone surfactant and at least onecationic surfactant at a concentration strictly greater than 0.5% byweight relative to the total weight of the composition.

“Transparent composition” is defined as a composition having a turbidityof less than or equal to 300 NTU, NTU being the nephelometric turbiditymeasurement unit.

Turbidity can be measured, for example, using a Model 2100P turbidimetersold by the HACH Company, the tubes used for the measurement beingreferenced as N^(o) AR397A, catalog 24347-06.

Calibration is done using formazin and measurements are carried out atroom temperature (20 to 25° C.). The compositions of the inventionpreferably have a turbidity ranging from 0.05 to 100 NTU.

The transparent composition according to the invention has, inparticular, a minimum penetration resistance of 0.075 N, as measured bypenetrometry, and preferably less than 50 N, more preferably still lessthan 5 N.

The penetrometry measurements were done using a TA-TX2 (Rheo) textureanalyzer. They correspond to measurements of compression force underfollowing conditions:

-   -   (1) displacement of a disk (ebonite cylinder with a 13 mm        diameter) at a rate of 1 mm/s and detection of the compression        resistance;    -   (2) penetration into the product at the same rate as the        aforementioned to a depth of 10 mm;    -   (3) maintenance of compression in the product at that depth for        300 s, and    -   (4) removal of the probe and detection of the breaking force at        the rate of 1 mm/s.

“Polyol” is defined as any C₃-C₅₀, preferably C₃-C₂₀, hydrocarboncompound comprising at least two hydroxyl groups, and preferably from 2to 10 hydroxyl groups.

The polyols particularly preferred in the present invention are chosenfrom the group comprising the sugars such as sorbitol and glycerin, andthe C₃-C₂₀ alkylene polyols such as propylene glycol, and the C₃-C₂₀polyethylene glycols such as PEG 300 and PEG 400.

The quantity of polyols is preferably in the range of 15 to 55% byweight, and especially in the range of 20 to 50%, relative to the totalweight of the composition.

The mineral electrolytes well known in the related art can be used. Theelectrolytes used preferentially in the present invention are inparticular the water-soluble monovalent or divalent metal salts of amineral acid.

More particularly, electrolytes whose solubility in water is between0.1% by weight and 300% by weight, and better still between 5 and 50% byweight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous solution, arepreferably used.

By way of example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calciumchloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and sodium salts ofphosphoric acid can be especially mentioned. Preferably, the monovalentmetal salts and sodium chloride are particularly preferred.

The quantity of mineral electrolytes is preferably in the range from 0.1to 20% by weight, and especially in the range from 0.5 to 15%, relativeto the total weight of the composition.

The proportions of polyol(s) and/or electrolyte(s) are such that theratio of (polyol(s) and/or electrolyte(s))/oils is greater than or equalto 2, preferably between 2 and 10, and more preferably between 2 and 5.

“Oil” is defined in the present invention as any fatty compound that isimmiscible in water and which is liquid at room temperature.

According to the present invention, the oils comprise at least thevolatile silicone and can comprise in addition at least one of thecompounds chosen from the group comprising vegetable oils, animal oils,mineral oils, synthetic oils, fatty acid esters, and their mixtures.

Sweet almond oil, avocado oil, castor oil, olive oil, jojoba oil,sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, sesame oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil,soya oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, coprah oil, corn oil, nut oil,karite butter, palm oil, apricot seed oil, and calophyllum oil can bementioned in particular.

Perhydrosqualene can be mentioned in particular as animal oil.

Paraffin oil and vaseline oil can be mentioned in particular as mineraloils.

By way of examples of synthetic oils, squalane, the poly((α-olefins)such as isododecane or isohexadecane, the transesterified vegetableoils, the fluorinated oils, and their mixtures can be mentioned.

As fatty acid esters, for example, the compounds having the formulaR_(a)COOR_(b) wherein R_(a) represents the residue of a higher fattyacid comprising 6 to 29 carbon atoms, and R_(b) represents a hydrocarbonchain comprising 3 to 30 carbon atoms, such as purcellin oil (stearyloctanoate), isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate,hexyl laurate, diisopropyl adipate, isononyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexylpalmitate, 2-hexyldecyl laurate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecylmyristate or lactate can be mentioned.

The oils are contained preferably in the composition according to theinvention in a quantity of less than or equal to 20% by weight, morepreferably between 5 and 20% by weight, relative to the total weight ofthe composition.

The volatile silicones that can be used in the invention are the linearor cyclic silicones having a viscosity at room temperature and underatmospheric pressure of less than 8 mm²/s (8 cSt).

Viscosity is measured preferably by capillary viscosimetry, for example,using a capillary viscosimeter, especially of the Ubbelohde type, at atemperature of 25° C. according to the ASTM D445-97 standard. The methodcommonly known as the falling ball viscosimeter can also be used.

The volatile silicones generally have a boiling point of between 60° C.and 260° C. and are more particularly chosen from the group comprising:

-   -   (i) the cyclic volatile silicones comprising 3 to 7 silicon        atoms and preferably 4 to 5 silicon atoms; for example        octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane sold especially under the name        “VOLATILE SILICONE 7207” by UNION CARBIDE or “SILBIONE® 70045 V        2” by RHODIA; decamethylcyclopentasiloxane sold under the name        of “VOLATILE SILICONE 7158” by UNION CARBIDE, “SILBIONE® 70045 V        5” by RHODIA or under the name DC245 Fluid by DOW CORNING, as        well as their mixtures.

The dimethylsiloxane/methylalkylsiloxane cyclocopolymers can also bementioned such as “SILICONE VOLATILE FZ 3109” sold by UNION CARBIDE andhaving the chemical structure:

Mixtures of cyclic silicones with organic compounds derived from siliconsuch as the mixture of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane andtetratrimethylsilyl pentaerythritol (50/50) and the mixture ofoctamethylcyclotetrasiloxane andoxy-1,1′-(hexa-2,2,2′,2′,3,3′-trimethylsilyloxy) bis-neopentane can alsobe mentioned;

-   -   (ii) linear volatile silicones having 1 to 9 silicon atoms and        having a viscosity of less than or equal to 5 mm²/s at 25° C.;        for example, decamethyltetrasiloxane sold especially under the        name “SH 200” by TORAY SILICONE. Silicones included in this        class are also described in the article by TODD & BYERS        published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol. 91, January 1976,        pp. 27-32, “Volatile silicone fluids for cosmetics.”

The composition according to the invention comprises preferably thevolatile silicones in a quantity of between 5 and 20% by weight, andmore preferably between 8 and 15% by weight, relative to the totalweight of the composition.

The silicone surfactants that can be used in the present invention arethose well known to those skilled in the art. They can be water-soluble,spontaneously water-dispersible or non-water-soluble. Preferably, theyare water-soluble or spontaneously water-dispersible.

The silicone surfactants are, for example, selected from the groupcomprising compounds of the general formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and(V):

-   -   wherein:        -   R₁, identical or different, represents a linear or branched            C₁-C₃₀ alkyl or phenyl group;        -   R₂, identical or different, represents            —C_(c)H_(2c)—O—(C₂H₄O)_(a)—(C₃H₆O)_(b)—R₅ or            —C₆H_(2c)O—(C₄H₈O)_(a)—R₅;        -   R₃ and R₄, identical or different, each designates a linear            or branched C₁C₁₂ alkyl group and preferably a methyl group;        -   R₅, identical or different, is chosen from a hydrogen atom,            a linear or branched alkyl group comprising 1 to 12 carbon            atoms, a linear or branched alkoxy group comprising from 1            to 6 carbon atoms, a linear or branched acyl group            comprising 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, —SO₃M,            —OCOR₆, C₁-C₆ aminoalkoxy, possibly substituted on the            amine, C₂-C₆ aminoacyl, possibly substituted on the amine,            —NHCH₂CH₂COOM, —N(CH₂CH₂COOM)₂, C₁-C₁₂ aminoalkyl, possibly            substituted on the amine and on the alkyl chain, C₁-C₃₀            carboxyacyl, a phosphono group, possibly substituted by one            or two substituted C₁-C₁₂ aminoalkyl, —CO(CH₂)_(d)(COOM),            —OCOCHR₇(CH₂)_(d)COOM, —NHCO(CH₂)_(d)OH, and —NH₃Y groups;        -   M, identical or different, is a hydrogen atom, Na, K, Li,            NH₄ or an organic amine;        -   R₆ is a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkyl group;        -   R₇ is a hydrogen atom or an SO₃M group;        -   d varies from 1 to 10;        -   m varies from 0 to 20;        -   m′ varies from 1 to 20;        -   n varies from 0 to 500;        -   p varies from 1 to 50;        -   q varies from 0 to 20;        -   a varies from 0 to 50;        -   b varies from 0 to 50;        -   a+b is greater than or equal to 1;        -   c varies from 0 to 4;        -   w varies from 1 to 100; and    -   Y represents a monovalent mineral or organic anion such as        halide (chloride, bromide), sulfate, or carboxylate (acetate,        lactate, citrate).

Preferably, silicone surfactants are used that are represented by thegeneral formulae (I) or (II) as defined hereinbefore and, moreparticularly, those represented by the formulae (I) or (II), wherein atleast one, and preferably all, of the following conditions are met:

-   -   c is equal to 2 or 3;    -   R₁ is a methyl group;    -   R₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an acetyl group        and preferably a hydrogen atom;    -   a varies from 1 to 25, and more particularly from 2 to 25;    -   b varies from 0 to 25, preferably from 10 to 20;    -   n varies from 0 to 100; and    -   p varies from 1 to 20.

The most particularly preferred silicone surfactants are, for example,those sold under the trade names FLUID DC 193 and DC 5225C by DOWCORNING, SILWET® L 77 by OSI and MAZIL® 756 by MAZER PPG.

The silicone surfactants are contained in the present invention in aquantity of between 0.01 and 10% by weight, more preferably between 0.1and 5% by weight, and more preferably between 0.2 and 3% by weight,relative to the total weight of the composition for treating keratinousmaterials.

The composition according to the invention comprises one or morecationic surfactants well known per se such as the salts of primary,secondary or tertiary fatty amines, possibly polyoxylaklyened, thequaternary ammonium salts and their mixtures.

As quaternary ammonium salts, for example, the following can beespecially mentioned:

-   -   (1) those having the following general formula (VI):

-   -   wherein the radicals R₈ to R₁₁, which can be identical or        different, represent a linear or branched aliphatic radical        comprising from 1 to 30 carbon atoms or an aromatic radical such        as aryl or alkylaryl. The aliphatic radicals can comprise        heteroatoms such as, in particular, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and        halogens. The aliphatic radicals are, for example, chosen from        the group comprising the alkyl, alkoxy, (C₂-C₆) polyoxyalkylene,        alkylamide, (C₁₂-C₂₂) alkylamido (C₂-C₆) alkyl, (C₁₂-C₂₂) alkyl        acetate, and hydroxyalkyl, comprising approximately from 1 to 30        carbon atoms; X is an anion chosen from the group of halides,        phosphates, acetates, lactates, (C₂-C₆) alkyl sulfates, alkyl-        or alkylaryl-sulfonates;    -   (2) the quaternary ammonium salts of imidazoline such as, for        example, those having the following formula (VII):

-   -   wherein R₁₂ represents an alkenyl or alkyl radical comprising        from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, for example, derivatives of tallow        fatty acids, R₁₃ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl        radical or an alkenyl or an alkyl radical comprising 8 to 30        carbon atoms, R₁₄ represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl radical, R₁₅        represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl radical, X⁻ is an        anion chosen from the group of halides, phosphates, acetates,        lactates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl- or alkylarylsulfonates.        Preferably, R₁₂ and R₁₃ are a mixture of alkenyl or alkyl        radicals comprising from 12 to 21 carbon atoms, for example,        derived from tallow fatty acids; R₁₄ is a methyl radical; R₁₅ is        a hydrogen atom. This type of product is, for example, sold        under the name REWOQUAT® W 75 by REWO;    -   (3) quaternary diammonium salts having the formula (VIII):

wherein R₁₆ is an aliphatic radical comprising approximately from 16 to30 carbon atoms; R₁₇, R₁₈, R₁₉, R₂₀, and R₂₁, identical or different,are chosen from the group comprising hydrogen or an alkyl radicalcomprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and X is an anion chosen from thegroup comprising halides, acetates, phosphates, nitrates and methylsulfates. These types of quaternary diammonium comprise in particularpropane-tallow diammonium dichloride; and

-   -   (4) the quaternary ammonium salts containing at least one ester        function such as those of the following formula (IX):

-   -   wherein        -   R₂₂ is chosen from the group comprising C₁-C₆ alkyl radicals            and C₁-C₆ hydroxyalkyl or dihydroxyalkyl radicals;        -   R₂₃ is chosen from the group comprising:            -   (a) the

radical;

-   -   -   -   (b) the linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated;                C₁-C₂₂ hydrocarbon R₂₇ radicals; and            -   (c) the hydrogen atom.            -   (a) the

radical;

-   -   -   -   (b) the linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated                C₁-C₆ hydrocarbon R₂₉ radicals; and            -   (c) the hydrogen atom.

        -   R₂₅ is chosen from the group comprising:            -   the

radical

-   -   -   -   the linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₁-C₆                hydrocarbon R₂₉ radicals;            -   the hydrogen atom;

        -   R₂₄, R₂₆ and R₂₈, identical or different, are chosen from            the group comprising the linear or branched, saturated or            unsaturated C₇-C₂₁ hydrocarbon radicals;

        -   r, s and t, identical or different, are integers with a            value of 2 to 6;

        -   y is an integer with a value of 1 to 10;

        -   x and z, identical or different, are integers with values of            from 0 to 10;

        -   X⁻ is a simple or complex, organic or inorganic anion;

        -   providing that the sum x+y+z is 1 to 15, that when x is            equal to 0 then R₂₃ is R₂₇ and when z is equal to 0 then R₂₅            is R₂₉.

The alkyl radicals R₂₂ can be linear or branched and more particularlylinear.

Preferably, R₂₂ is a methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, or dihydroxypropylradical and, more particularly, a methyl or ethyl radical.

Advantageously, the sum x+y+z has a value of 1 to 10.

When R₂₃ is a hydrocarbon radical R₂₇, it can be long and have 12 to 22carbon atoms or short and have 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

When R₂₅ is a hydrocarbon radical R₂₉, it has preferably 1 to 3 carbonatoms.

Advantageously, R₂₄, R₂₆ and R₂₈, identical or different, are chosenfrom the group comprising linear or branched, saturated or unsaturatedC₁₁-C₂₁ hydrocarbon radicals and more particularly linear or branched,saturated or unsaturated C₁₁-C₂₁ alkyl and alkenyl radicals.

Preferably, x and z, identical or different, have a value of 0 or 1.

Advantageously, y is equal to 1.

Preferably, r, s and t, identical or different, have a value of 2 or 3and, more particularly still, are equal to 2.

The anion is preferably a halide (chloride, bromide or iodide) or analkyl sulfate, more particularly methyl sulfate. However, methanesulfonate, phosphate, nitrate, tosylate, an anion derived from anorganic acid such as acetate or lactate or any other anion compatiblewith ammonium with an ester group.

The anion X⁻ is more particularly chloride or methyl sulfate.

Ammonium salts having the following formula (IX) are more particularlyused in the composition according to the invention, wherein:

-   -   R₂₂ is a methyl or ethyl radical    -   x and y are equal to 1;    -   z is equal to 0 or 1;    -   r, s and t are equal to 2;    -   R₂₃ is chosen from the group comprising:    -   R₂₂ is a methyl or ethyl radical;    -   x and y are equal to 1;    -   z is equal to 0 or 1;    -   r, s and t are equal to 2;    -   R₂₃ is chosen from the group comprising:    -   the

radical

-   -   the methyl, ethyl or C₁₄-C₂₂ hydrocarbon radicals;    -   the hydrogen atom;    -   R₂₅ is chosen from the group comprising:    -   the

radical;

-   -   the hydrogen atom; and    -   R₂₄, R₂₆ and R₂₈, identical or different, are chosen from the        group comprising the linear or branched, saturated or        unsaturated C₁₃-C₁₇ hydrocarbon radicals and preferably from the        group comprising the linear or branched, saturated or        unsaturated C₁₃-C₁₇ alkyl and alkenyl radicals.

Advantageously, the hydrocarbon radicals are linear.

The compounds having the formula (IX) such as the salts (chloride ormethyl sulfate, in particular) of diacyloxyethyl dimethyl ammonium,diacyloxyethyl hydroxyethyl methylammonium, monoacyloxyethyldihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium, triacyloxyethyl methyl ammonium,monoacyloxyethyl hydroxyethyl dimethyl ammonium and their mixtures. Theacyl radicals have preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms and originate moreparticularly from a vegetable oil such as palm or sunflower oil. Whenthe compound contains a plurality of acyl radicals, the latter can beidentical or different.

These products are obtained, for example, by direct esterification oftriethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, alkyldiethanolamine oralkyldiisopropanolamine, possibly oxyalkylenated on fatty acids or onmixtures of fatty acids of vegetable or animal origin, or bytransesterification of their methyl esters. This esterification isfollowed by a quaternization using an alkylation agent such as an alkylhalide (preferably methyl or ethyl), a dialkyl sulfate (preferablymethyl or ethyl), methyl methanesulfonate, methylpara-toluene-sulfonate, glycol or glycerol chlorhydrin.

These compounds are sold, for example, under the names DEHYQUART® byHENKEL, STEPANQUAT® by STEPAN, NOXAMIUM® by CECA, REWOQUAT® WE 18 byREQO-WITCO.

The composition according to the invention preferably contains a mixtureof mono-, di- and triester salts of quaternary ammonium with a majorityby weight of diester salts.

As a mixture of ammonium salts, for example, the mixture containing 15to 30% by weight of acyloxyethyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 45 to 60% of diacyloxyethyl hydroxyethyl methyl ammoniummethylsulfate and 15 to 30% of triacyloxyethyl methyl ammoniummethylsulfate, the acyl radicals having 14 to 18 carbon atoms andoriginating from palm oil, possibly partially hydrogenated.

The ammonium salts containing at least one ester function disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,874,554 and 4,237,180 can also be used.

Of the group of quaternary ammonium salts those that are represented byformula (VI) are particularly preferred, wherein:

-   -   R₈ represents a C₁₂₋₃₀ alkyl, preferably C₁₄₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₂₋₃₀        alkenyl, (C₁₂₋₂₂) alkylamido(C₂-C₆)alkyl, (C₁₂-C₂₂) alkyl        acetate group or an aromatic group such as C₆-C₁₂ aryl or        alkylaryl.

R₉ to R₁₁, which can be identical or different, represent a C₁₋₈ alkyl,C₁₋₈ alkenyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, (C₂-C₆) polyoxyalkylene orC₁₋₈ alkylamide group; and

-   -   X is an anion chosen from the group comprising the halogenides,        phosphates, acetates, lactates, (C₂-C₆) alkyl sulfates, alkyl-        or alkylaryl-sulfonates.

By way of example of these particularly preferred compounds, on the onehand, the tetraalkyl ammonium salts, especially the tetraalkyl ammoniumchlorides such as, for example, the dialkyl methyl ammonium or alkyltrimethyl ammonium chlorides can be mentioned, wherein the alkyl radicalcomprises approximately 12 to 30 carbon atoms, in particular thedistearyl dimethyl ammonium, behenyl trimethyl ammonium, arachidyltrimethyl ammonium, stearyl trimethyl ammonium, cetyl trimethylammonium, benzyl dimethyl stearyl ammonium chlorides, or even, on theother hand, the (C₈-C₃₀) alkylamido(C₂-C₆)alkyl trimethyl ammoniumsalts, especially the palmitylamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride orstearamidopropyl dimethyl—(myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride soldunder the name CERAPHYL® 70 by VAN DYK.

The cationic surfactants particularly preferred in the composition ofthe invention are chosen from the group comprising the quaternaryammonium salts and in particular from behenyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride and palmitylamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride.

The composition for cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials comprisespreferably the cationic surfactant or surfactants and a quantity ofbetween 0.5 and 10% by weight, better more preferably between 0.8 and 8%by weight, and most preferably between 1 and 5% by weight, relative tothe total weight of the composition.

“Cosmetically acceptable medium” is defined as a medium that iscompatible with all keratinous materials such as the skin, the hair, thenails, the eyelashes, the eyebrows, the lips and any other area of thebody or the face, but also having a pleasant odor, appearance andtexture.

The cosmetically acceptable medium comprises water or a mixture of oiland a cosmetically acceptable solvent chosen from the group comprisingthe C₁-C₄ lower alcohols, such as ethanol, isopropanol, tertiobutanol orn-butanol; the C₅-C₁₀ alkanes; the C₃₋₄ ketones such as acetone andmethylethylketone; C₁-C₄ alkyl acetates such as methyl acetate, ethylacetate and butyl acetate; dimethoxyethane, diethoxyethane, and theirmixtures.

The pH of the compositions of the invention is between 3 and 12,preferably between 4 and 8.

Transparent compositions according to the invention can also containadditives such as cationic, anionic, non-ionic or amphoteric polymers;non-volatile silicones whether modified or not; associative ornon-associative, anionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, non-ionic orcationic, natural or synthetic, polymeric thickeners; sun filters;fragrances; coloring agents; organic or mineral particles;preservatives; and pH stabilizing agents.

Those skilled in the art will take care to choose any additives and thequantity thereof such that they do not harm the properties of thecompositions of the present invention.

These additives are present in the composition according to theinvention in a quantity ranging from 0 to 50% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition.

The compositions according to the invention can be in the form of fluidor thickened liquids, gels, creams, or single or multiple emulsions.

The compositions can be used, for example, as shampoos, hairconditioners, coloring products or bleaching or permanent wave products,hairdressing products, rinse treatments, deep treatment masks, showergels, lotions or creams for scalp care, shaving products or depilationproducts.

The present invention also relates to a method for the cosmetictreatment of keratinous materials that consists of applying an effectivequantity of a transparent composition such as that described above ontothe keratinous materials, carrying out rinsing, if required, after anoptional lapse of application time.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the transparentcomposition can be used as a hair conditioner.

The following examples illustrate the present invention and should notbe considered as limiting the invention in any fashion whatsoever.

EXAMPLES

Transparent hair conditioning compositions were prepared using theingredients indicated in the following table. The indicated contents areexpressed in % by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Cyclopentadimethylsiloxane ⁽¹⁾ 7 5.4 11.5 Isopropylmyristate — 2.1 — Polydimethyl/methylsiloxane 0.5 AS 0.5 AS 0.5 AS (18moles of ethylene oxide/ 18 moles of propylene oxide) ⁽²⁾ - DC 5225 (DowCorning) Palmitylamidopropyl trimethyl 1.2 AS 2.7 AS 1.2 AS ammoniumcontaining 60% AS in propylene glycol - Varisoft PATC (Goldschmidt)Propylene glycol 0.8 7.3 3.2 NaCl — — 9.7 Sucrose — 29.5 19.35 Glycerin40.8 — 1.2 Water 100 100 100 AS: Active substance ⁽¹⁾ DC 245 (DowCorning) ⁽²⁾ 10% in cyclopentadimethylsiloxane

The compositions are applied to the hair and rinsed after a one-minuteapplication time, with easy rinsing. Then the hair is dried.

The dried hair is soft and smooth to the touch and has no unpleasantresidues.

These compositions are stable for 2 months at room temperature and at45° C.

Turbidity of the compositions of Examples 1 and 2 are 75 NTU and 90 NTU,respectively.

1. A transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinousmaterials in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion, comprising, in acosmetically acceptable medium, at least one compound which is a polyolor mineral electrolyte, at least one volatile silicone in a quantity ofbetween 5 and 20% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition, at least one silicone surfactant wherein the siliconesurfactant is present in a quantity of between 0.01 and 10% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition, and at least onecationic surfactant wherein the cationic surfactant is present in aquantity of between 0.5 and 10% by weight relative to the total weightof the composition, wherein the ratio (polyol and/or electrolyte)/oil isgreater than or equal to 2, wherein the at least one volatile siliconeis a cyclic volatile silicone comprising 3 to 7 silicon atoms, whereinthe cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium salt, the quaternaryammonium salt being a salt of formula (VI):

wherein: X is an anion which is a halide, phosphate, acetate, lactate,(C₂-C₆) alkyl sulfate, or alkyl- or alkylaryl-sulfonate, R₈ represents a(C₁₂-C₂₂) alkylamido(C₂-C₆)alkyl or (C₁₂-C₂₂) alkyl acetate group, andR₉ to R₁₁, which can be identical or different, represent a C₁₋₈ alkyl,C₁₋₈ alkenyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, (C₂-C₆) polyoxyalkylene orC₁₋₈ alkylamide group, wherein the silicone surfactant has the formula(II)

wherein: a) R₁, identical or different, represents a linear or branchedC₁-C₃₀ alkyl or phenyl group; b) R₂, identical or different, represents—C_(c)H_(2c)—O—(C₂H₄O)_(a)—(C₃H₆O)_(b)—R₅ or —C₆H_(2c)O—(C₄H₈O)_(a)—R₅;c) R₅ identical or different, is a hydrogen atom, a linear or branchedalkyl group comprising 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkoxygroup comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a linear or branched acyl groupcomprising 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, —SO₃M, —OCOR₆,C₁-C₆-aminoalkoxy, optionally substituted on the amine, C₂-C₆ aminoacyl,optionally substituted on the amine, —NHCH₂CH₂COOM, —N(CH₂CH₂COOM)₂,C₁-C₁₂ aminoalkyl, optionally substituted on the amine and on the alkylchain, C₁-C₃₀carboxyacyl, a phosphono group, optionally substituted byone or two substituted C₁-C₁₂ aminoalkyl, —CO(CH₂)_(d)(COOM),—OCOCHR₇(CH₂)_(d)COOM, —NHCO(CH₂)_(d)OH, or —NH₃Y groups; d) M,identical or different, is a hydrogen atom, Na, K, Li, NH₄ or an organicamine; e) R₆ is a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkyl group; f) R₇ is ahydrogen atom or a SO₃M group; g) d is from 1 to 10; h) n is from 0 to500; i) p is from 1 to 50; j) a is from 0 to 50; k) b is from 0 to 50;l) a+b is greater than or equal to 1; m) c varies from 0 to 4; and n) Yrepresents a monovalent mineral or organic anion.
 2. Transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 1, wherein the ratio of (polyol and/or electrolyte)/oil isbetween 2 and
 10. 3. Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatmentof keratinous materials according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of(polyol and/or electrolyte)/oil is between 2 and
 5. 4. Transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 1, wherein the polyol is a sugar or C₃-C₂₀ alkylene polyol. 5.Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinousmaterials according to claim 4, wherein the polyol is glycerin,sorbitol, propylene glycol or a C₈-C₂₀ polyethylene glycol. 6.Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinousmaterials according to claim 1, wherein the polyol is present in aquantity ranging from 15 to 55% by weight relative to the total weightof the composition.
 7. Transparent composition for the cosmetictreatment of keratinous materials according to claim 6, wherein thepolyol is present in a quantity ranging from 20 to 50% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.
 8. Transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 1, wherein the mineral electrolyte is sodium chloride,potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesiumsulfate, or a sodium salt of phosphoric acid.
 9. Transparent compositionfor the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials according to claim 1,wherein the mineral electrolyte is present in a quantity ranging from0.1 to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.10. Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinousmaterials according to claim 9, wherein the mineral electrolyte ispresent in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 15% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition.
 11. Transparent composition for thecosmetic treatment of keratinous materials according to claim 1, whereinthe volatile silicone is present in a quantity of between 8 and 15% byweight relative to the total weight of the composition.
 12. Transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 1, wherein the silicone surfactant is represented by theformulae (II), wherein at least one, and optionally all, of thefollowing conditions are satisfied: a) c is equal to 2 or 3; b) R₁ is amethyl group; c) R₅ represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or anacetyl group; d) a is an integer from 1 to 25; e) b is a integer from 0to 25; f) n is an integer from 0 to 100; and g) p is an integer from 1to
 20. 13. Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment ofkeratinous materials according to claim 1, wherein the siliconesurfactant is present in a quantity of between 0.1 and 5% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.
 14. Transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 13, wherein the silicone surfactant is present in a quantity ofbetween 0.2 and 3% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.
 15. Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment ofkeratinous materials according to claim 1, wherein the cationicsurfactant is present in a quantity of between 0.8 and 8% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.
 16. Transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 15, wherein the cationic surfactant is present in a quantity ofbetween 1 and 5% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.
 17. Transparent composition for the cosmetic treatment ofkeratinous materials according to claim 1, wherein the cosmeticallyacceptable medium comprises water or a mixture of water and acosmetically acceptable solvent.
 18. Transparent composition for thecosmetic treatment of keratinous materials according to claim 17,wherein the cosmetically acceptable solvent is a C₁₋₄ lower alcohol, orC₅-C₁₀ alkane, C₃₋₄ ketone, C₁-C₄ alkyl acetate, dimethoxyethane,diethoxyethane, or mixtures thereof.
 19. Transparent composition for thecosmetic treatment of keratinous materials according to claim 1, furthercomprising an additive which is a cationic, anionic, non-ionic oramphoteric polymer; non-volatile silicone, modified or unmodified;associative or non-associative, anionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic,non-ionic or cationic, natural or synthetic, polymeric thickener; sunfilter; fragrance; coloring agent; organic or mineral particle;preservative; or pH stabilizing agent.
 20. A method for the cosmetictreatment of keratinous materials, comprising applying a transparentcomposition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials accordingto claim 1 to the keratinous materials.
 21. Method for the cosmetictreatment of keratinous material according to claim 20, wherein thetransparent composition is a hair conditioner.